Character and Trait

Character

Character noun - Something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind.
Usage example: one of the distinguishing characters of mammals

Trait is a synonym for character in characteristic topic. In some cases you can use "Trait" instead a noun "Character", when it comes to topics like feature, individuality, be.

Trait

Trait noun - Something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind.
Usage example: honesty is one of her defining traits
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Synonyms for Trait

Character is a synonym for trait in characteristic topic. You can use "Character" instead a noun "Trait", if it concerns topics such as feature, be.

Nearby Word: traitor

How words are described

human human character human trait
good good character good trait
female female character female trait
best best character best trait
Other adjectives: particular, normal, specific, established, certain, single, prominent, actual, real, villainous, main, interesting, important, famous, major, heroic, significant, primary, last, central, different, recurring, strongest.

Both words in one sentence

  • The Generic Guy Also compare The Artifact, a character or trait that no longer adds anything to the story but is kept around because it's expected to be there.
  • Omniglot Such a character may be a Cunning Linguist, but that's a character role rather than a trait.
    Source: Omniglot
  • Could also be a Pollyanna, with naivety serving as the defining trait; if so, expect this to be the youngest character (see also The Precocious) or a Naïve Newcomer.
Cite this Source
Trait and Character. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/character/trait
Character & Trait. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/character/trait>.
Trait or Character. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/character/trait.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "character" and "trait" have occurred on timeline